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Are you interested in working in the medical profession?
Are you caring, organized, and enjoy helping people?
If you answered yes to both, then a career as a medical assistant might be for you.
We’ve all seen these rock stars at our doctor’s office.
The ones that greet you, take your co-pay, and answer 5 phone calls in between.
Then poof!
They appear in the exam room to ask why you’re there, take your vitals, and make you comfortable.
On their way back to the front desk, the doctor will probably ask them to do anything from restocking gauze to calling a pharmacy.
This is just a sliver in the day of a medical assistant.
They also keep records updated, deal with insurance companies, administer medications to patients, and assist in procedures.
Becoming a medical assistant can take anywhere from 7 months to 2 years, depending on what type of degree you want.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a great place to be a medical assistant.
It’s a fast-paced, fun city with a large population.
A large population means a lot of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and the sort.
So medical assistants are always needed.
The average salary for a medical assistant in Pittsburgh, PA is $48,000 per year.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Pittsburgh, take a look at these schools.
1 Institute Of Medical And Business Careers
About The School
IMBC has spent over 20 years training allied medical students to become dental assistants, medical assistants, lab technicians, and coding specialists.
They are accredited by the Bureau of Health Education Schools.
The school offers small classes, flexible hours, and certified instructors.
On average, the career specialists at IMBC help place 88% of graduates into their first job.
Course Offering
The medical assistant program at IMBC takes 2 years to complete and students will graduate with an associate degree, and be able to sit for the National Certification Medical Assistant Exam.
Students will take courses that will prepare them to be competent medical professionals.
Classes include English Composition, psychology, public speaking, and bookkeeping math.
Other courses include Anatomy and Physiology, infectious diseases, clinical procedures, and record keeping.
All students must complete an externship to graduate.
The price of tuition is $11,040.
Address: 133 Jefferson Rd. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235
2 Bidwell Training Center
About The School
With over 50 years in business, Bidwell gets funds from the state, nonprofits, and private donations to provide a free education for residents of Pennsylvania.
Courses offered include culinary arts, medical assistance, and pharmacy tech.
All they ask is that applicants have a high school diploma or GED.
Course Offering
The medical assistant program teaches students to document electronic health records, deal with insurance claims, communicate with patients, and compose professional correspondence.
They will also have instruction in the clinical aspect including taking vital signs, sterilization of equipment, medication administration, and assisting in a variety of procedures.
Address: 1815 Metropolitan St. Pittsburgh, PA 15233
3 Pittsburgh Technical College
About The School
Pittsburgh Technical College gives students all they need to successfully complete an allied health program and get the experience of college life as well.
For over 75 years, the school has been helping people achieve their goal of becoming medical professionals.
They are accredited by The Commission of Allied Health Education Programs.
On campus housing is available, along with a fitness center, research center, and food program for those in need.
There’s also plenty of clubs and intramural sports.
Course Offering
The medical assistant program delivers instruction in 2 state of the art labs as well as comfortable classrooms.
Hands on learning includes critical thinking skills, communication, front office management, pharmacology, and medical terminology.
At the end of the course, students will complete an externship at a local facility.
All applicants must have a high school diploma.
Certain externship may require proof of vaccinations, a background check, and drug screen.
Address: 1111 McKree Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15071
4 Community College Of Allegheny
About The School
Community College of Allegheny was formed in 1966 and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
They have hundreds of online and in-person classes.
Flexible day, evening, and weekend courses are available.
The school participates in the “Pittsburgh Promise” program that offers a free degree to residents of Allegheny county.
Course Offering
The courses for medical assistants take 9 months, which includes a 160 hour externship.
Students will learn through a combination of lectures and hands-on practice.
Topics of instruction include taking vital signs, prepping of patients and exam rooms, record keeping, anatomy, body systems, and pharmacology.
Students must have a high school diploma to apply.
Address: 808 Ridge St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Institute Of Medical And Business Careers |
|
#2 | Bidwell Training Center |
|
#3 | Pittsburgh Technical College |
|
#4 | Community College Of Allegheny |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Assistant
Medical Assisting by City
Medical Assisting by State